Sicily for Him
RAINS Liner Jacket
The quilted liner jacket by Rains is a great versatile piece for September, when the weather can be tipping from warm to cold. It’s easy to wear as a top layer over light rollnecks, but can equally be layered under heavier outerwear for that extra warmth in the colder months. Wear with a dark pair of flat-front trousers for an up-to-date vibe, or with your favourite jeans and running shoes for a more relaxed look. It’s a jacket that will stay with you from autumn to winter.
COMMUNITY CLOTHING Men’s Field Trouser
These field trousers by Community Clothing are universally cool and, made with a heavy-weight cotton twill, are perfect for mixing with T-shirts, denim button-downs, crewnecks and casual smart jackets. They have a modern workwear quality to them, and don’t be surprised if you see a skateboarder zipping past you in a pair. Wear them full-length or with a small turn-up – however you wear them, they are tough, smart and casual all at the same time. Not bad for one pair of trousers.
DB Hugger Backpack 25L
The Hugger backpack by Db is perfect for weekend breaks. Originally designed by snow travellers, this very urban design has now been adopted by all. Featuring a handy square top-compartment, where you can get immediate access to your mobile, headphones, passport etc, the bag also has an ergonomic feel in the way it wraps around your body. And with its solid structure all your belongings, from laptop to camera, will feel secure. Finally, its fully opening main compartment puts the rest of your gear within easy, rummage-free reach. This streamlined bag was certainly built with adventures in mind.
ZDA Runner Grey
If you like vintage running-shoe styles circa the 1980s, then you will love ZDA. Originating in the former Czechoslovakia, the trainer brand was rediscovered in 2016 by the Japanese label Eye Found, who decided to relaunch the label. Faithful to its original design and handmade process, the 2803CPL’s distinctly urban purple and grey colourway makes it the perfect match for jeans, chinos, crewnecks or sweatshirts, paired with a parka or quilted jacket.
FORÉT Brown Raven Cap
If you don’t know the brand Forét, it’s high time you did. It has a fantastic story that emanates from childhood memories of the great outdoors, giving the collection a sense of rural nostalgia. This is captured perfectly in the organic cotton Raven cap – here in brown – which also has a modern functionality that appeals to something in all of us, whether city-based or living in the open country. Wear yours under the hood of a sweatshirt, or with a quilted coat or oversized blazer for a contemporary edge.
NN07 Carlo 3503 Hoodie
You can never go wrong with a sweatshirt, and the brand NN07 has come up with the perfect minimalist hoodie in a better-sourced cotton-blend brushed fleece. Opt for the purple-brown colourway for its subtle versatility; it can be effortlessly worn with everything from dark trousers to white jeans. For a more metropolitan feel, style it up with a pair of dark navy flat-front cotton trousers and vintage trainers, and accessorise with a brown cap.
Sicily for Her
FRANKIE SHOP Decima Black Trench Coat
If you’re looking for an autumn coat, and want something minimal with a graphic silhouette, then The Frankie Shop is your destination. This classic trench coat has been given a cool modern overhaul, and is equally chic worn belted, with sleeves rolled up over a strappy dress and boots, as it is thrown on open, paired with wide-leg cargo pants, cropped knitwear and trainers. For a more Scandinavian look partner with darker trousers with an even wider-cut leg, a fine jersey rollneck and black boots. Sunglasses optional, but encouraged!
ACNE STUDIOS Faded Pink Cardigan
Talking of Acne, knitwear this season has been given the graphic treatment, and the studio’s fluffy, blush-pink cardigan exemplifies this. It’s crafted from an open-knit mohair blend for a sensual yet snuggly feel. Style on its own for a minimal look, paired with baggy jeans or flat-front trousers, or layer over a fine mesh rollneck for a more modish approach.
GANNI Printed Mesh Long Sleeve Rollneck
Sometimes pared-back dressing enjoys a pop of colour, and this printed mesh long-sleeve top from Ganni is the perfect layering piece. Made from a blend of recycled cottons, the top has a fitted style that is especially effective when worn with baggy combat-style trousers or wide-leg jeans. Its sheer, light material makes it easy to layer under knits or oversized shirts. Think of it as a highly versatile second skin, and it will become a must-pack item for autumn.
ACNE STUDIOS Relaxed Fit Jeans
When it comes to jeans, Acne Studios has perfected its version of the high-waisted relaxed fit. This wide-leg style is at once casual and modern, and looks great when worn with pointed-toe shoes or boots, as well as trainers. Its roots might be from the ’90s clubbing scene, but today this style creates a more visual urban silhouette, and is easily elevated when paired with an oversized trench or a cropped leather biker jacket. Equally, you might want to style this cut with an oversized blazer and T-shirt for going out. The sartorial options are endless.
RAINS Hilo Small Weekend Bag
After an overnight bag that packs a cool punch? Then Rains has just the thing. Its small Hilo weekend bag is clean and contemporary, balancing Rains’ signature waterproof PU fabric with matte-black strap and hardware detail. But what really steals the show is the bag’s colour: this travel favourite comes in, among other hues, a striking iridescent Sonic blue. The other colourways include pale candy pink and sleek metallic grey. It’s perfect for carrying your gym gear, too, and goes with everything from smart coats to casual sweatshirts and denim.
ISABEL MARANT Dario Leather Ankle Boots
You may have noticed an array of cowboy boots pounding the pavements of late, and what Isabel Marant does best is make them super wearable. The Darizo leather ankle boot boasts subtle stitch embroidery, a classic pointed toe and a neat 6cm heel. It can be worn with everything – dressed up as well as dressed down – from poking out from under the hem of your wide-leg jeans with an oversized blazer and T-shirt up top, to being styled with a cropped leather dress and a long, graphic trench coat. This highly adaptable boot is an investment piece that will stay in your wardrobe for a long time.
By James Sleaford, style director of Secret Trips. James has worked in the fashion industry for 20 years and has held the post of fashion director of French GQ. You can find more of his work at jamessleaford.com
